The 10 Cheapest Asian Cities For Budget Travellers

Looking for a budget-friendly way to globe-trot? For your next trip, check out these cheapest tourist destinations in Asia — your wallet will thank you for it.

Feeding your wanderlust can be quite expensive, but certain destinations won't make that big of a dent in your wallet. Take, for example, these 10 cheapest tourist destinations in Asia.

The Price of Travel recently compiled a list of some of the cheapest cities in Asia for budget travellers. By budget travellers, we mean backpackers who choose to stay in hostels and eat where the locals eat — no fancy 5-star hotels here!

Here's their list of the 10 cheapest tourist destinations in Asia:

10. Delhi (and New Delhi), India: US$22.85 or S$30.04 a day

Photo: Pixabay

You'd think that the Indian capital would be higher up on this list, but in fact, Delhi and New Delhi aren't as cheap as you'd think. Hotels are a little pricier than the rest of India, but new cheap hostels have opened up recently, which is good news for backpackers.

9. Goa, India: US$22.39 or S$29.44 a day

Source: Pxhere

Though Goa isn't actually a city (it's a small state), it's a popular travel destination known for its beaches and hippie culture. Those prepared to shell out more can find world-class hotels and resorts, but if you're on a budget, you won't have a hard time looking for cheap accommodations.

8. Phnom Penh, Cambodia: US$22.15 or S$29.12 a day

Photo: Pixabay

Though the Cambodian capital is usually just treated as a gateway to Siem Reap or the Mekong Delta, but it's a really affordable destination that is worth checking out as well.

7. Manila, Philippines: $22.14 or S$29.11 a day

Photo: Pixabay

Though Manila isn't exactly a tourist destination, plenty of tourists stop by Manila on their way to other locations in the country. It's good that the country's capital is pretty affordable! PriceofTravel notes that there are many cheaper cities in the Philippines (e.g. Cebu), but since Manila's basically the main gateway to the country, they had to include it in their list.

6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: US$20.87 or S$27.44 a day

Photo: Pixabay

HCM/Saigon are more expensive than any other place in Vietnam, but the hostels are pretty darn cheap. This modern city still has a little bit of that old world charm. Even though Saigon is more expensive than the rest of the country, compared to the rest of the world. the prices are still pretty low.

5. Hoi An, Vietnam: US$20.53 or S$26.99 a day

Photo: Pixabay

Hoi an isn't the most well-known destination in Vietnam, but it's a must-visit. Its picturesque Chinese-style streets are full of cheap restaurants and tailor shops. It wasn't until very recently that this sleepy city had hostels, but even the private rooms here are pretty affordable.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand: US$20.44 or S$26.87 a day

Photo: Pixabay

Known for its temples, mountainous landscapes, and ancient architecture, Chiang Mai is a cheaper and more laidback alternative to Bangkok.

3. Pokhara, Nepal: US$20.31 or S$26.70 a day

Photo: Pixabay

Most people visit Nepal to head almost immediately to Pokhara, which is the starting point of many Himalayan treks. Staying there is pretty cheap, though be warned — the guided treks can fetch a hefty sum.

2. Vientiane, Laos: US$19.79 or S$26.02 a day

Photo: Pixabay

Landlocked Laos doesn't draw as many tourists as its neighbours, but those that pay a visit aren't disappointed. Vientiane has plenty of sights to see, and the low, low prices can't hurt.

1. Hanoi, Vietnam: US$18.60 or S$24.45 a day

Photo: Pexels

Not only is Hanoi the first-placer on this list of the cheapest tourist destinations in Asia, it's also a really interesting city, thanks to its French colonial and communist history. The food is delicious and cheap, and the accommodations are cheap — even if you don't choose to stay in a hostel.